REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF INTEREST Number W9126G-21-2-SOI-4607 Project to be initiated in 2021 Applicants must be member in one of the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) Regions: Any CESU Region nationwide Project Title: Collection and Develoopment of Tribal Protocols Guidebook Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for a project to be funded by the Department of Defense (DoD) Legacy Resource Management Program which assists DoD in protecting and enhancing natural and cultural resources while enabling military readiness. Approximately $125,000 is expected to be available to support this project for the base period. There are no additional option periods. Background: The intent of this agreement is to collect extant tribal protocols from other Federal agencies for Federally recognized tribes as well as creating a guidebook to aid installations in the development of tribal consultation protocols. Personnel often lack references and examples to assist in creating consultation protocols with tribes. This collection of protocols and its accompanying guidebook will provide these references to improve and ease the development of consultation protocols. These are the tribal rules for communicating with agencies, including such things as proper titles of tribal leaders, appropriate gifts between leaders, appropriate seasons for consulting (many tribes have ceremonial seasons in which they cannot consult; these are often in fall and mid-winter associated with Winter Solstice ceremonies, but can also be related to spring planting and early fall harvesting), election cycles, Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) representation of the leaders or tribal council, appropriate times to visit tribal lands, other tribes with which tribes refuse to meet, etc. The project will work with entities recognized by tribes and may lead to follow-on work to further develop regional aspects of the collection and guidebook. Type of Award: In accordance with section 6305 – Using cooperative agreements of the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreements Act of 1977 (31 U.S.C. § 6301 et seq.), all CESU projects must carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation, instead of acquiring goods or services for the exclusive direct benefit of the United States Government. The benefit of this project is to the public including boaters, marina occupants, and resident of surrounding area. The results of the survey will provide the federal government the data required to make master plan decisions for the service of the public. In accordance with section 6305 – Using cooperative agreements of the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreements Act of 1977 (31 U.S.C. § 6301 et seq.), substantial involvement is expected between the federal partner and the nonfederal partner when carrying out the activities specified in the project agreement. The exact nature of the government’s involvement will be defined in the statement of objectives, issued with a request for full proposal. As a result, it is anticipated that a cooperative agreement through the CESU program will be awarded. Such awards may be administered through a CESU only upon mutual agreement and official authorization by both parties of the acceptance of the application of the CESU Network IDC rate (17.5%). Brief Description of Anticipated Work: This research focuses on the following objectives: 1) Task 1 (Mandatory): Identify stakeholders: Identify stakeholders to participate and review documents for this project. Stakeholders should include representatives from National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, tribal representatives, installation and regional cultural resources managers, etc. Stakeholders should represent a diverse set of geographic affiliations and organizations. Coordinate with the DoD Cultural Resources Program, DoD Native American Affairs, Military Services, Native American Integrated Product Team, and DoD Historic Preservation Work Group (HPWG) to identify relevant stakeholders. 2) Task 2 (Mandatory): Research: Review relevant laws, regulations, DoD and Military Services policies, and identify and collect extant tribal protocols from other Federal agencies. Review and analyze past DoD Legacy Resource Management Program projects related to tribal consultation; gather stakeholder feedback on these project products and identity issues of outreach, distribution, awareness, etc., that contribute to the products’ underutilization by DoD personnel. 3) Task 3 (Mandatory): Consultation: Coordinate with the DoD Cultural Resources Program, DoD Native American Affairs, Military Services, DoD HPWG, and stakeholders to request input and feedback on development of the collection and guidebook content. Request stakeholder feedback on example tribal consultation protocols to discuss their strengths and weaknesses. 4) Task 4 (Mandatory): Develop a Collection and Guidebook: Create a collection of extant tribal protocols and a guidebook to assist DoD installations in creating tribal protocols specific to their region in accordance with existing laws, regulations, DoD and Military Services policies. The guidebook should create a template for protocols. 5) Task 5 (Mandatory): Review: Request feedback and review on the collection and resulting guidebook from stakeholders. Request review of guidebook at 50% and 85% completion. Present initial findings and recommendations to HPWG at 50% draft stage. 6) Task 6 (Mandatory): Outreach: Host three webinars for DoD cultural resources personnel, including two webinars presenting a general overview of the project and how to use the resulting guidebook for installation CRMs, and a webinar on how to conduct tribal consultation for senior leadership and installation commanders. Produce a fact sheet and a handout on how to use the resulting guidebook. Write an article for the DoD Cultural Resources Update Newsletter about the final products and how DoD personnel can use them to develop tribal protocols for their installations. Develop the fact sheet required for all DoD Legacy Resource Management Program projects. Period of Performance: The period of performance will be 12 months from date of award. Materials Requested for Statement of Interest/Qualifications: (Maximum length: 2 pages, single-spaced 12 pt. font). 1. Name, Organization, Cage Code, Duns number, and Contact Information (Email) 2. Brief Statement of Qualifications (including): a. Biographical Sketch, b. Relevant past projects and clients with brief descriptions of these projects, c. Staff, faculty or students available to work on this project and their areas of expertise, d. Any brief description of capabilities to successfully complete the project you may wish to add (e.g. equipment, laboratory facilities, greenhouse facilities, field facilities, etc.). Note: A full study proposal and proposed budget are NOT requested at this time. Review of Statements Received: All statements of interest received will be evaluated by a board comprised of one or more people at the receiving installation or activity, who will determine which statement(s) best meet the program objectives. Based on a review of the Statements of Interest received, an investigator or investigators will be invited to prepare a full study proposal. Statements will be evaluated based on the investigator’s specific experience and capabilities in areas related to the study requirements. Please send responses or direct questions to: Alisa Marshall Grants Specialist USACE Ft. Worth District
[email protected] Office: (817) 886-1068 J. Grant Harrison Project Manager USACE Ft. Worth District
[email protected] Office: (817) 886-1583 Cell: (817) 266-3001 Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest: The RSOI is required to be posted for at least 30 days prior to the Government making a decision and requesting full proposals. Responses due by 5:00 P.M., Central Time, on 19 July 2021. [End of RSOI]